Nene Interview

By Joshua Motenko

Last year, the Denver Nuggets transformed from perennial Playoff early exiters, to Western Conference contenders, getting into the Western Conference Finals for the first time in since 1978.

A big part of that Rocky Mountain revival was Nugget big man, Nene.  Fully healthy for the first time in years, Nene put up career numbers across the board and the squad the consistent force in the middle that they lacked in previous years.

HD's Joshua Motenko got a chance to catch up with the Brazilian big man before the season to ask him a few questions on last season, his offseason training regimen, and his childhood.

JM: Nene, you really stepped up last year and showed that you have the ability to play to the potential a lot of people saw when you were drafted.  What was different that helped you make this happen?

N: First of all, I thank Jesus Christ for this.  Without him I would not be able to reach even 1/10th of my potential.  Second, I worked really hard last summer in order to play the best basketball I could.  This summer I only took 3 weeks off and I'm already back on the court working on my game so I can become the best I can be.

JM: What part of your game have you worked on most this summer?

N: I’ve been working 5 to 6 days a week starting with shooting drills, post moves and different moves that I will be using on the court simulating different game situations. Anthony Carter, Chris “Birdman” also will work with me on different things, talking about the details.  We also are running pickup games.  Overall, I've been working on everything from conditioning to shooting.  But I’ve worked a lot on details and I feel this will really help my game.

JM: Who do you play with during the summers, and who is your closest friend on this Nuggets team? 

I've been working every day with Anthony Carter.  I get along pretty well with all my teammates, and I feel we respect each other on and off the court, but most importantly on the court.

JM: Can Denver win the NBA Championship this year?  What’s the number one reason why?

N: Absolutely.  I think Denver has a very good chance to win a championship.  I think if we play as a unit and play up to our abilities, the sky is the limit for the Denver Nuggets.

JM: Who has really impressed you on this current team that you think deserves more love from the national media?

N: We have excellent basketball players on this team and in my opinion, it's no surprise that we had a great season and that my teammates would be very successful.

JM: Where do you rank yourself in comparison to the Amare’s and Yao’s and Al Jefferson’s in the west?

N: They are all very talented basketball players.  I am just focused on my team's success and it's very good to be compared to some of the best players in the Western Conference.

JM: Which NBA player did you imitate growing up?

N: I don't imitate anybody, but I always liked to watch Tim Duncan and Kevin Garnett because they are very good post players that you can always learn something from.

JM: Tell us about some of the charity and community work that you’re involved with. Which has been your favorite or most memorable experience?  What kind of community work would you like to do more of in the future?

I have a foundation in Brazil that helps underprivileged children and gives them guidance for their futures.  We have a project going to expand the foundation sometime in the near future, and that way I'll be able to help even more people, which is my goal.  I also host a gospel event with my pastor in Brazil during the summer with the purpose of bringing more young people to God.